I want to share with you my ten commandments of productivity. These are not divine revelations from a mountaintop but insights from my own experience (though they may not be as good as the Original 10!). To add excitement, my wife suggested starting each commandment with “thou shalt.” So, let’s dive in!
Commandment 1: Thou shalt tell your time where to go, instead of wondering where it went. Whether you’re on vacation or taking a day off to binge-watch TV, always make a conscious decision about how you spend your time.
Commandment 2: Thou shalt not over plan. Calls run late, meetings start late, and repairmen show up late. Give yourself some flexibility in your plans.
Commandment 3: Thou shalt eliminate distractions. While you can’t eliminate all distractions, minimize them as much as possible, as they can significantly impact your productivity.
Commandment 4: Thou shalt avoid negativity. Negativity is pervasive in TV, social media, and people’s words. Distance yourself from negativity whenever you can.
Commandment 5: Thou shalt harness the power of accountability. Don’t go through life alone. Find a partner who can hold you accountable and support you when you feel weak.
Commandment 6: Thou shalt not make it all about work. Life is not just about work. Take time to have fun, watch TV shows, tell jokes, and laugh until your sides hurt. Work hard, but also remember to have fun.
Commandment 7: Thou shalt take micro-breaks. Step away from your work area, even if it’s just for a few minutes. Go outside, take deep breaths, and be present at the moment. Micro-breaks can help re-energize you.
Commandment 8: Thou shalt accept that new technologies and tools may not always make you more productive. Just because something is trendy doesn’t mean it will help you be more productive. Be discerning with the tools you use.
Commandment 9: Thou shalt not make excuses. Stop making excuses and take ownership of your productivity. Look at successful individuals like Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, Tony Robbins, and Oprah Winfrey – they didn’t get where they are today by making excuses.
Commandment 10: Thou shalt be a student of productivity. Always be open to learning new ways to improve your productivity. You can learn from experts in your field and from unexpected sources. Stay curious and keep learning.
Remember, these commandments are based on my experiences and may not work for everyone. However, consider incorporating them into your productivity practices and see how they can help you optimize your time and achieve your goals.